Sandra van der Pal
Manager nlmtd
Sandra van der Pal is an innovation expert at nlmtd, specializing in the Public and Social Domain team. She is passionate about developing innovative solutions for social challenges. With experience as a startup founder, consultant, accelerator builder, and innovation manager, she has a comprehensive understanding of (open) innovation. Her approach centers on connection, as she believes that collaboration is essential for driving today’s transitions.
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On Tuesday, July 1, Felix Meritis in Amsterdam hosted Transition2025, a new event organized by Change Inc. and supported by nlmtd. Hundreds of innovators and practitioners gathered to share insights, ideas, and projects, inspire one another, and create plans to accelerate the transition to sustainability.
During a day packed with keynote speakers, panel discussions, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities, it became clear that the transition is well underway. However, it also requires more courage, systems thinking, and collaboration. Instead of waiting for ideal conditions, we should start now and persevere.
What Transition2025 showed us
The transition to a more sustainable society is complex, often resistant to change, and sometimes disheartening. However, the atmosphere during Transition2025 was filled with hope and positivity. Speakers highlighted that hope is not a form of naivety but rather a crucial motivator for change. As Hans Stegeman from Triodos Bank stated, “You don’t need to know exactly what the ideal situation looks like; a desire for improvement is enough to work toward a better future.“
At the same time, it became painfully clear that the current system has serious shortcomings. Rinke Zonneveld from InvestNL noted that financing is often not the primary issue; rather, it is the lack of consistent policy, incoherent regulations, and insufficient systemic thinking that hinder innovative companies and startups. He described a “cycle of disillusionment” in which innovations stall before they can truly scale up. What is needed, he said, is “the long line,” the commitment to stay the course despite obstacles and to better align policy with innovation.
Even without perfect policies or clear frameworks, responsibility doesn’t rest solely with “the system.” The day showed us the extent of our own capabilities, where creativity and decisiveness can thrive.
The complexity of the energy transition should not be discouraging; instead, it invites us to think creatively. According to Roderick Glerum from Vattenfall, we have entered the phase of renewable energy 2.0, characterized by volatility and paradoxes. Although each year, millions of kilograms of sustainable energy are lost, and hundreds of projects are waiting for grid connection, he remains optimistic: “Crisis is a time of danger and opportunity. Dare to dream big.”
“Crisis is a time of danger and opportunity. Dare to dream big.”
Mike Hoogveld (nlmtd) highlighted another important issue: our own behavior. Our brain instinctively prefers the status quo, tends to avoid risks, and seeks to conserve energy. This makes change difficult. He advises us to intentionally take time, make decisions within diverse groups, and use stories that illustrate both the problem and a positive perspective. He calls this approach “slow down to speed up.”
During the panel on leadership and support, it became evident that real change cannot be imposed from the top down. Marianne van Keep and Simone Kranendonk highlighted the importance of involving the entire chain and ecosystem, as well as demonstrating vulnerability as a leader. Authentic listening, building connections, and effectively communicating in the language of your target audience are crucial for inspiring action.
Tom Peeters (Crisp) delivered a closing statement that called for greater ambition. He emphasized that we are still collectively aiming too low. “It’s called Transition2025, not final destination 2025,” he remarked. He urged us to build new systems rather than merely adapting old ones and encouraged us to keep moving forward, even beyond the horizon.
The winners of the Transition Awards 2025
At the end of the day, the Transition Awards were presented. This year, a total of 291 projects were submitted. A jury selected a winner for each of the five categories, while the audience award was determined through an online voting round.
The six winners demonstrate that innovation can happen anywhere if you are brave enough to take the first step.
Energy: Burgerinitiatief Vledder (Triodos Bank) — A project driven by local residents that demonstrates how collaboration can create a significant impact in the community.
Construction: Kantoor vol Afval (Popma ter Steege, Vink Bouw, Rijksvastgoedbedrijf) — An inspiring office built using 90% recycled materials, made possible by a forward-thinking government.
Mobility: Electrify planes and airports (NRG2Fly) — Pioneering work in electric aviation, with an eye for infrastructure and scaling up.
Circularity: SteelClean UP (SCW Systems) — A solution for achieving circular and cleaner steel production with global potential.
Food: Plant Protein Forward (Foodvalley NL) — A network that links farmers directly with customers to provide local plant-based proteins.
Audience Award: The Sharing Group – People’s Power Plant, chosen by 6,830 votes.
Transition2025 emphasizes that while the challenges we face are significant, we already possess the energy, knowledge, and ideas necessary to tackle them. It demands an integrated approach, the bravery to take unconventional paths, and the patience to persevere, even when faced with difficulties.
The future is not a final destination but rather an ongoing journey. This journey has already commenced; we just need to continue progressing.
Let’s create the future. Together.
